Atalanta manager Maurizio Sarri has issued a strong warning to his squad ahead of their Serie A encounter with Parma, urging them not to underestimate their opponents despite their position near the bottom of the league table. The match is scheduled for Monday, kicking off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT).
Speaking at Zingonia, Sarri emphasised Atalanta’s long-term vision, stating, “We’re ambitious and we want to build the foundations for a new, great cycle.” He acknowledged the difficulty of this path, especially with the current injury challenges, but reiterated the club’s desire for another successful period.
Atalanta’s Ambition and Injury Woes
Atalanta currently sit 11th in Serie A with 11 points. Their recent form includes a chaotic 4-4 home draw against Frosinone, which saw them whistled off by their own fans, followed by a draw at Fiorentina. Sarri defended the fans’ reaction, noting they supported the team for 95 minutes and expressed confidence in their continued backing.
The club is grappling with a significant injury crisis, with several key players sidelined. Gianluca Scamacca, Franck Kessié, Raoul Bellanova, Sead Kolašinac, Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Giacomo Raspadori, and Kristensen are all unavailable. This extensive list has severely stretched Sarri’s squad, particularly impacting the defensive line.
Parma’s Defensive Threat
Parma, currently 18th in the league with five points, come into the match after a 0-0 draw with Udinese. Despite their low league standing, Sarri highlighted their defensive resilience. “Parma are one of those teams near the bottom who have conceded fewer goals. It’s certainly not an easy game,” he remarked, anticipating a tough battle.
Sarri described Alberto Gilardino’s side as dangerous, noting their effective low block in a 5-3-2 formation, which allows them to catch opponents on the counter-attack. He stressed the need for his team to approach the game with humility and clear-headedness, ready for any difficulties.
Sarri’s Tactical Adjustments
The Atalanta coach also addressed his side’s fitness and tactical approach. He defended the team’s running volume, citing statistics from the Frosinone game where they produced similar numbers in less effective playing time. However, he called for greater balance, compactness, and a higher defensive line, acknowledging that the defensive setup has been “turned upside down” due to the numerous player changes.
Sarri expressed hope for some injured players to return sooner, given the demanding schedule of three games in six days, which further complicates his team selection and tactical planning for the crucial Serie A fixture.